Person rescued from flat fire above shop in Blackpool

The person was "escorted to safety" from the Topping Street flat, above the former Card Market shop, at 7.37am.

They were then assessed by ambulance crews, but did not need hospital treatment.

Pictures from the scene show one of the flat windows has been smashed, but it is not clear whether this was to allow firefighters to rescue the person.

Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service has been approached for more details.

Fire crews from Blackpool station then entered the flat with hose reels and ventilation fans to extinguish the fire and clear the smoke.

They were still at the scene at 11am, with firefighters seen entering the shop below to investigate the cause of the fire.

Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service said it was unable to comment on the suspected cause at this stage.

A fire service spokesman said: "At 7.37am, two fire engines from Blackpool station attended an incident in Topping Street, Blackpool.

"The fire involved the first floor flat of a domestic property and one casualty was escorted to safety by crews and assessed by North West Ambulance Service.

"Firefighters used four breathing apparatus, two hose reel and two positive pressure ventilation units to extinguish the fire. Crews are still in attendance."

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